Although it was a bit of fun, an AI-generated photo led to a real-life encounter. 

Kazakhstan goalkeeper Damira Zhaparova had told ihf.info in early November that it would be “indescribable” to meet her role model, legendary Norwegian goalkeeper Katrine Lunde, when the two teams would meet in their group H encounter at the 2025 IHF Women’s World Championship in Germany.

She was so looking forward to it that she used artificial intelligence (AI) to change a picture showing her ‘meeting’ Lunde at a previous event, joking; ‘…going to drop a real one soon’.

And in the lead up to the game, Lunde, who announced her imminent retirement from her national team earlier this month, admitted she had seen it, revealing it was messages like this which provided her with “more feelings”.

In Trier on Saturday (29 November) there was a sense of anticipation in the air for the 20:30 hrs throw-off between the two teams.

 

Zhaparova and a couple of her teammates were first out on court for their pre-match warm-ups well ahead of Norway, but when the Europeans did come out there was no Lunde – the goalkeeper being rested with youngsters Eli Marie Raasok and June Cecilie Krogh getting some much-needed minutes.

The young shot-stopper who celebrated her 20th birthday on Thursday, looked around and soon realised too, but that did not affect her performance.

Appearing for just under 17 minutes, her first action was unexpected – a full-court goal. When a Nora Mork assist to Maren Aardahl was well-defended and Norway playing 7v6, the goal was open and as the ball dropped into Damira’s hands, teammate Zhanerke Kuandykova pointed towards the unguarded goal with Zhaparova dispatching the ball in a perfect arc and into the Olympic champions’ net.

This brought about a smile the width of the Mosel River, which runs just outside the SWT Arena. The goalkeeper then made her first save a few minutes later, denying Veronica Kristiansen from the line and triggering another big Kazakhstan smile. Another save then came later.

And watching this all happen from the stands, and making tactical notes for her side, was Lunde, smiling in reaction to seeing Zhaparova’s reactions and emotions on court.

Although it was a clear loss for the Asian side (41:16), Zhaparova left the court pensive, hoping for that encounter.

And then it happened.

“You even scored today,” said Lunde as she embraced Zhaparova for the first time.

“I am really happy,” exclaimed Zhaparova in English, before speaking through her teammate, Kristina Radayeva, who was translating. “That photo was a joke and today it was my birthday,” she said.

 

Radayeva then helped Zhaparova present and Lunde with a traditional Kazakh scarf before posing for a Polaroid photo which was subsequently signed.

And the talking continued.

And then, the real photo dropped.

“This is my best day ever,” said Zhaparova to Norwegian broadcaster NRK, who captured the moment later on, alongside Viaplay Norge. “I am so grateful that my dream is coming true.”

“She had a good game and even scored a goal, which isn't very often. It was good energy from her as emotions are important. She spreads a lot of energy to her teammates.,” added Lunde. “We talked about everything from how the match was, to what it was like to meet. We took some pictures, and I got this amazing scarf. Beautiful.”

Watching on with a big smile on his face was her coach, Aliaksandr Systsko, indicative of the feelings of everyone watching this purest of moments unfold between the two players on the side of the court.

Zhaparova then skipped down the players tunnel on her way to the locker room, her face a picture of emotions.

But it was not over for her just yet.

Long after the arena had emptied of fans and most staff, she emerged with Radayeva back onto court to take some pictures.

A number of volunteers then posed for photos with her before she spotted Norway goalkeeping coach and Swedish legend Mats Olsson on the bench working on some post-match analysis with the Norway coaching staff.

Now it was time to call him over for a photo and another memory on a day she will never forget.